MLB Player News

Ottavino allowed three walks and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over Miami in a rain-shortened game.

Ottavino certainly didn't make it easy, but he was able to escape the jam he created in the top of the sixth inning. The game was called due to poor weather conditions at that time. The right-hander usually serves as setup man to Matt Barnes. Ottavino has posted a 3.05 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 26:15 K:BB across 20.2 innings this year. He's logged two saves, three blown saves, 11 holds and a 2-2 record in 23 appearances.

Morgan (0-1) allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks with one strikeout in 2.2 innings Friday, taking the loss versus Toronto.

A windy and stormy night in Cleveland was a fitting backdrop for Morgan's major-league debut. He got through the first inning without trouble, but Toronto quickly solved him over the next two frames before manager Terry Francona brought in reliever Phil Maton. The 25-year-old Morgan made the start Friday in place of Zach Plesac (thumb). Cleveland's starting pitching depth will be tested with nine games scheduled in the next nine days, but it's undecided if Morgan will get another look during this stint in the majors.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the Reds on Friday.

Kimbrel has now pitched on three of the last four days, but he held the Reds in check Friday to pick up his 12th save of 2021. The right-hander has now converted each of his last five save chances, and he's recorded a 0.82 ERA and 36:8 K:BB in 22 innings to begin the season.

Alzolay (3-4) allowed five hits and three walks while striking out six in 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win against the Reds on Friday.

The Cubs were only able to put one run on the board with a strong wind blowing in at Wrigley Field, but that was one more than Alzolay and the bullpen gave up to the Reds. The right-hander has posted a 3.81 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 49.2 innings across nine starts to begin the season. He tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Padres on Wednesday.

Graterol (forearm) felt good following his live batting practice Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Graterol reached 94-98 mph during his throwing session Friday while facing hitters for the first time since he suffered his forearm injury. The right-hander will likely see game action as part of his rehab assignment in the coming days.

Nelson (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen this weekend, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Nelson has been on the injured list with right forearm inflammation since Sunday, but he'll resume mound work this weekend. The right-hander is also slated to throw live BP on Tuesday, so he appears to be progressing well in his recovery so far.

Weems was recalled by the Athletics on Friday.

Weems has spent two previous stints on the major-league roster this season, allowing three runs in 4.1 innings across five relief appearances. Reymin Guduan (groin) landed on the injured list in a corresponding move.

Puk (biceps) was activated off the injured list and optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

Puk made just a single relief appearance this season before hitting the injured list in early April with a strained left biceps. He's made five rehab appearances for Las Vegas but hasn't been close to convincing, allowing eight runs in five innings of work while giving up three homers. He'll continue to try to sort himself out as a regular member of Las Vegas' roster for now, but his upside remains high if he can stay healthy and rediscover his stuff.

Morgan was recalled as expected ahead of his big-league debut Friday against the Blue Jays, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Morgan was added to the team's 40-man roster in November, though he's not a particularly highly rated prospect. He has a very good changeup but sits in the high-80s with his fastball. He owns a 3.11 ERA in 332.2 career minor-league innings, striking out 27.5 percent of opposing batters while walking just 6.7 percent, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can strike out that many big-league hitters given his modest velocity. In a small sample of four Triple-A starts, Morgan's strikeout rate comes in at just 19.2 percent.

Pressly (neck) is feeling better, but it's not yet clear whether or not he'll be available Friday against the Padres, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pressly wasn't available in the Astros' previous game against the Dodgers on Wednesday, as his neck was stiff enough that he couldn't turn his head. While the fact that he's feeling better is certainly a good sign and suggests he won't miss much more time, he'll have to throw before the Astros determine whether or not he's ready for game action.